As of 2019, about 69% of U.S. homes had at least one smart product. Thanks to continued advancements in technology and people spending more time at home, that number is undoubtedly greater today.
Smart home technology is wonderful for making things more convenient, more comfortable, and more secure. But, it doesn’t have to be limited to your home’s interior.
Smart technology is just as effective and beneficial for the outside of your home, too. By designing a smart yard, you can enjoy spending more time outdoors year-round. Whether you’re an avid entertainer, you love being in the back yard with your family, or your happy place is sitting on the porch with a good book, smart technology can help to upgrade your yard and increase your home value, all at once.
If you’re not sure how to get started with your smart outdoor design, we’ve got a few ideas that can help.
Optimize Your Outdoor Living Space
If you love spending time outside, whether it’s just lounging with the family or entertaining guests, there are plenty of smart gadgets that can make your outdoor experience even better. But, it starts with optimizing your current space before adding features. You can do that by:
- Buying the right furniture
- Investing in different storage options
- Ensuring your privacy with fencing or walls
- Utilizing outdoor lighting
- Creating a decor theme
Once you set a solid foundation for an outdoor living space, you can start to have fun with smart technology. One of the most convenient features you can add is smart lighting. You can easily connect lights around your house to your phone or another type of remote and control it from wherever you are. So, whether you want cozy globe lights to glow around a pergola, or floodlights to help keep your home secure, it can all be controlled from the palm of your hand.
If you want to transform your backyard into the ultimate entertainment space, consider things like a waterproof smart TV. You can mount it just about anywhere and won’t have to worry about it standing up to the elements. Throw in a smart smoker that can be controlled from your phone, and you’ll have all the makings of a perfect gameday experience or a fun family movie night. Pass the popcorn!
Link Up Your Landscaping
There’s nothing quite like stepping outside and admiring a beautifully landscaped yard. While some old-fashioned hard work and spending some time getting your hands dirty will always be the best way to build a better landscape, you can also utilize smart technology to take things one step further – and to make life a little easier on yourself.
If you’re willing to make an outdoor investment, consider purchasing a robotic lawnmower. They’re on the expensive side but offer a great way to keep your lawn looking pristine if you’re busy or not home often. Most people understand the concept of a robotic vacuum cleaner. Smart mowers work the same way, trimming your grass in perfect lines without you having to lift a finger.
Not ready for that kind of investment? Understandable. You can still enjoy some smart outdoor landscaping features on a budget, including a smart sprinkler system. If you’ve recently planted trees or shrubs to increase your home value and you’re trying to keep them hydrated, or you’re just experiencing a dry spell in your area, being able to control your sprinklers from anywhere can help.
Get to Work
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are working from home than ever. If you’ve gone remote, it’s important to have your own space you can utilize as an office. Depending on where you live, you might even be able to set up an outdoor office and use smart technology to make things easier.
Spending more time in nature has countless health benefits, including:
- Reduced stress
- Improved mood
- Better focus
- More energy
- More creativity
So, mixing your work life with nature can actually help you to get more done during the day without burning yourself out.
If you decide to go that route, your first step should be investing in Wi-Fi that covers the whole backyard. The last thing you want is to be on a Zoom call only to have it cut in and out because your Internet is spotty.
Once you have a strong connection, you can enjoy all of the smart technology benefits listed here, from lighting to privacy controls, while working outside and enjoying your calming surroundings.
Smart technology should be fun and doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when you’re using it to make life more convenient and comfortable. If you enjoy spending time in your yard or just want to make it easier to take care of, consider some of the options listed here to transform your outdoor space into something unforgettable.
